December 11, 2007

UNDE EVP REPORT

UMCC HUMAN RESOURCES SUB-COMMITTEE

The meeting of December 6, 2007 was opened by Brother Bob Taylor, IBEW/FIOE.  ADM HR Civ/SMA RH-Civ, Cynthia Binnington, stated that she felt the UMCC of December 4, 2007, her first, went well and that the DM was also pleased.  It was suggested that the HR Sub-committee should have a forward looking agenda, with regular reviews of issues, new and ongoing, so that everyone can be prepared.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes and Agenda/Acceptation du compte rendu de la dernière réunion et de l’ordre du jour.  The agenda was accepted.  The acceptance of the minutes of the October 16, 2007 meeting was postponed because the Bargaining Agent Representatives raised concern that they had not received them in ample time to review them, provide comments and follow up with agenda items.  It was agreed that in the future minutes would be shared with everyone to ensure that all committee members have an opportunity to review them before the meeting.

Old Business:

PeopleSoft 8.9 Update  / Exposé  sur Peoplesoft 8.9.  The Committee was advised that the rollout on October 31, 2007 was a success and there have only been minor glitches.  Employees are encouraged to log on and review their personal information for accuracy.  Employees are also encouraged to confirm that their pay is accurate and to identify any discrepancies to the HR as soon as a discrepancy is noticed.  ADM HR Civ stated that she is more concerned with an overpayment and the necessary recovery action versus an underpayment which is can be easily and quickly corrected.
The Committee was also advised that the Statement of Requirements (SOR) includes a requirement to grant on-line access to employees who do not normally have access.  How this access will be granted is still under consideration.

(Note:  a follow up email from HR was received and forwarded to the UNDE NE)

Review of the Terms of Reference / Revue du Mandat.  An additional two weeks for review and comments was requested.

New Business:

Language Training/Formation Linguistique.  Ms Poliquin, DGLPD/DGAPP, opened her presentation as “Everything You Want to Know But Were Afraid to Ask”.  At the outset of the presentation, UNDE EVP asked and received confirmation that the language training being referred to was not the language training offered at the DND Language Schools located at the Bases/Wings, but the language training offered through the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS).  Ms Poliquin outlined the DND second language training program, historical data, and who is responsible for funding and authorities.  UNDE EVP asked for a clarification of the term “non-imperative staffing”.  Ms Poliquin explained that non-imperative means that a second language is not a requirement for employment, imperative staffing means that a second language is required before appointment.  She identified that the language training priorities are executive development, career development and personal interest.  Applications are rolled up to Level 1s for approval.  UNDE EVP raised concerns that the L1s have the authority to prioritize candidates and that individual Managers have the right to deny training.  DGLPD/DGAPP identified that this same concern was evident in the recent retention study and that complaints, with full details, can be sent forward.

UNDE EVP asked why current DND Language Schools and Public Service resources are not used to provide language training vice contracting out through standing offers?  DGLPD/DGAPP stated that she will pursue this option with Canadian Defence Academy, however, it could be a standards issue – Treasury Board versus Canadian Forces.

Round table / Table ronde:
DGLPD/DGAPP:  Stated that the call for scholarship applications is out and that she would be seeking the Bargaining Agent representatives continued support.  Also that five (5) LMRC Enhancement Training sessions have been scheduled.  UNDE EVP asked and was received confirmation that the Management representative/facilitator position has been staffed at DGLPD/GAPP (Major Lombard).

DGLRC/DGRTR.  Identified that the “CF 101” CD has been included in the meeting material.

IBEW/FIOE:  In response to Brother Bob Taylor’s questions around the « Civilian Retirement Card », it was reported that initiative is being pursued as a well being issue by DDWB/ DDME.

FGDTLC-E/CMTCM-E.  Brother Lorne Brown raised concerns in regards to the apprenticeship program, workforce renewal, national funding and sub-unit funding.  He also stated that there has been no consultation to date on the Ship Repair standards reform and there is another National Consultation Committee (NCC) scheduled.  Ms St-Jean stated that the report is not ready yet and confirmed that consultation will take place.

DGCESP/DGSPEC:  Ms St-Jean provided the following appointment statistics for the period 1 April 2006 - 30 September 2007:
External Advertised – represents 17%of all staffing processes
External Non-advertised – represents 4% of all staffing processes
Internal Advertised – represents 8% of all staffing processes

Appointment of CF Members to EX minus 2 and above, in comparison to all EX minus 2 and above appointments:

Medical Priorities:  Total number of appointments of CF members medically released during the period 31 December 2005 – 30 September 2007 was 195.

Number of medical/disabled priorities currently in the system (as of 20 November 2007):  198 CF members; and 6 civilian employees
In regards to the most activity by region, Ms St-Jean stated that there has been staffing activity in all regions but more significantly as follows (in order of highest activity):

External Advertised          External Non-Advertised              Internal Advertised
Atlantic                               Prairies                                          NCR
Prairies                               NCR                                               Prairies
Ontario                               Ontario                                          Atlantic

Brother Bob Taylor questioned the “staffing freeze” in ADM Mat for engineers.  Ms St-Jean responded that in light of the current engineer review, Management is moving cautiously.

Brother Perry Schippers requested more in-depth information in regards to the CS classification.  UNDE EVP asked that statistics be provided in regards CR positions and that indeterminate versus term appointments be identified.

UNDE/UEDN.  UNDE EVP stated that the UNDE EE Advisor, Sister Brenda Moore, has again voiced frustration to the UNDE National Executive about the lack of consultation and collaboration within DND.  UNDE EVP stated that following Sister Moore taking the time to provide comments to a particular worksite, the respective Management representative sent her a thank you but that the EE plan had only been provided to her out or courtesy and that consultation should take place at the Level 1.  However, Sister Moore has already been told that by the time the EE plans roll up to Level 1, there is no time left for input.  UNDE EVP stated that unless the union’s legislated rights to collaborate and consult are respected, UNDE will have a difficult time promoting the department’s current self-identification survey.  Brother Perry Schippers stated that PIPSC have been told that consultation is taking place with UNDE.  All Committee members agreed that there is a communications problem and there needs to be a follow up with Management.  It was also identified that the Civilian Workforce Census is now at 64% response.

PIPSC/IPFPC.  Brother Schippers brought forth a letter of support for consideration, the intent of the letter is similar to that of the EAP Charter.  Brother Schippers also made reference to the DCCO Bulletin #1 reference the comparability study of military and civilian functions.  The Committee was advised that there is no comparability table to reflect rank equivalencies between military and civilian personnel.

ACFO/ACAF.  Brother Milt Isaacs raised concerns with the improper use of the AS vs FI classifications standards.  He also explained the difference between professional development and training in general.  He requested statistics in regards to training plans, the success rate by percentage and/or dollar value consumed.

FGDTLC-W/CMTCM-O.   Brother Des Rogers requested an update on how the national apprenticeship program is progressing.  Ms St-Jean advised that we are in year two (2) of the three (3) year project.  Management representatives, from amongst those that have experience in apprenticeship programs, have just been brought into the working group.  A more detailed update will be provided at the next meeting.  Brother Taylor also requested an update in regards to the EL classification.

ADM HR Civ/ SMA RH-Civ.  Ms Binnington stated that there has been no follow up to committee members’ questions from the Veterans Affairs presentation from the October 2007 meeting.

In closing comments, Brother Bob Taylor, IBEW/FIOE, announced that he would be retiring from his union position at the end of December.  He also announced that the Bargaining Agents have agreed that Brother Lorne Brown will assume the Labour Co-Chair position.  Speaking on behalf of the Bargaining Agent representatives, Brother Taylor presented the UNDE EVP with an appreciation gift for her time served as co-chair and work on the committee.  Both Chairs wished everyone a very happy holiday season.

Next Meeting – March 7, 2008

In Solidarity,
Mary L. Chamberlain
UNDE EVP